The mysteriously-named Thorinshield released an album and two singles in 1968 which, though they sank without trace, are now prized by fans of so-called 'sunshine pop'. Their roots lay in Los Angeles, where drummer Terry Hand had played in numerous surf bands, as well as recording two singles with Everpresent Fullness. Bassist Bobby Ray, meanwhile, was a seasoned session player who had participated in Donovan's legendary May 1966 sessions in LA, resulting in songs including the classic Season Of The Witch. They teamed up with guitarist James Smith in 1967, and Smith and Ray began to write commercial songs together that reflected an interest in both folk and psychedelia.